Moving Towards Distribution System Operators: Current Work and Future Directions

The increasing proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart grid technologies (SGTs) in the distribution grid is one of the main transformative forces in the electric power sector, changing dramatically the technical operations as well as the roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the electricity market agents in the distribution grid. In the last years, there has been much discussion on the evolution of the distribution systems into distributed system platforms (DSPs) with Distribution System Operators (DSOs) working as both the distribution grid operators and neutral market facilitators. This paper presents an overview of the current research, regulatory initiatives, and future directions in the development of DSOs.